In the “tractor” modification, the new unmanned helicopter has a takeoff weight of 192 pounds. The multi-purpose unmanned UVH-290E helicopter is the “newest modification of UAVOS helicopters with a gasoline rotary engine.” The UAV has a flying range of 249 miles, a practical ceiling of 6800 feet, and a flight time of five hours with a payload of 11 pounds. India's Defense Research and Development Organization has successfully test-flown its Rustom 2 Drone, which is described as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV. The Rustom 2 is being designed for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. It should be able to loiter at about 22,000 feet for 24 hours, according to government officials. The SW-4 Solo optionally piloted helicopter developed by Leonardo Company has successfully completed its maiden flight with no safety pilot onboard at Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (Southern Italy). The aircraft flew for 45 minutes and all systems performed as expected with
excellent controllability and handling qualities. Tests included, among others, remote engine start up and shut down with ground run, automatic take-off and landing, hovering OGE (Out of Ground Effect) and acceleration to forward flight, automatic way point navigation to and from the area of operation and simulation of a surveillance mission. The aircraft reached an altitude of 1500 ft and up to 60 knots airspeed during the flight. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unmanned!!!

UAV Market Expanding With The Widening Applications Of UAVs In Commercial Sector

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